Dallas Cowboys Mailbag: Questions about Mike McCarthy and Mike Zimmer

Every week we answer questions on X (Twitter) and Facebook Dallas Cowboys Players and other problems surrounding the team. So let's get started right away.

“On a scale of 1 to 10, how hot is Mike McCarthy’s seat right now?”

(@MrEd315 on Twitter)

Microphone: Some people would say it was hot before the season started. McCarthy has had some impressive results since taking over, leading the Cowboys to the playoffs three years in a row. His resume is impressive overall, but there is one major blip that raises red flags when it comes to how long McCarthy can stay in Dallas, his playoff record.

Dallas was one of the most successful teams in the regular season, but once the playoffs begin, things look completely different. This definitely puts a strain on his relationship with Jerry Jones and the window for success with this roster may be over. With the two losses so far this season, that relationship is being put under greater strain and at the moment McCarthy has to be on a hot seat turned up to six or seven. If results don't change, expect an increase, but that doesn't necessarily mean an early exit. Even though Jerry was the owner, he very rarely fired a coach in the middle of the season.

Dana: It's pretty hot. To put it down to a number, I'll go with 7. Before the season started, I said that it would take a complete meltdown from this team for him to be cut before the end of the season. At the time it was said, without really believing that it would actually happen. As we sit today, it could be a real possibility if they continue on this path. Even though the season isn't quite over yet and only three games have passed, they need to be able to turn things around quickly.

“How does Dallas’ defense respond after the last two weeks?”

(@Riley Braggington on Facebook)

Microphone: The question should be directed to Mike Zimmer, he is the main person responsible for this and has primary responsibility. The key is for the inside of the defensive line to play better as it provides far too much cushion and gets pushed around far too easily. Every move begins in the trenches, if you lose this battle, the rest of the team suffers. There is nothing more demoralizing and nothing that tires out a defense as quickly as a bad defensive line that can't stop the run, and this defensive line is really struggling with the run right now. Fix this, fix a lot of problems.

Dana: The good news for the Cowboys defense this week is that they are facing a Giants offense that isn't of the same caliber as the Saints or Ravens. They currently rank 19th in the league in rushing and only score 15 points per game. But that doesn't mean this game will be a walk in the park. The Giants have a rookie WR in Malik Nabers who has had a very good start to his NFL career. They also need to ensure that Daniel Jones is contained and that he is uncomfortable in the pocket. It will be important for the Cowboys defense to get back to basics and details. If they are able to stay disciplined, they should succeed at TNF.

“What has changed on defense since last season that has actually made us worse in every category?”

(@Jörgen Veisland on Facebook)

Microphone: As mentioned above in the last question, the defensive line is key. A big problem, however, are the tackles, or more precisely the missed tackles. These missed tackles pose a major problem in run defense, allowing runners to penetrate the secondary and tiring out defensive backs. Sort out the gap discipline, sort out the tackling, things should start to get better.

Dana: While there are problems throughout the defense, it starts on the interior of the defensive line. Last year it was a pain point, but now it's affecting the rest of this defense where players are trying to overcompensate and do too much. The LBs have to fill multiple gaps to make up for the linemen's loss and discipline was MIA. The Cowboys' strengths lie in pass rushing and taking the ball away, but the offense doesn't really give them that chance by taking an early lead and relying heavily on the run. The Cowboys players have been very vocal about these issues with the media. Hopefully they can improve this week against the Giants.